Lengthily: meaning, definitions and examples

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lengthily

 

[ ˈleŋ(k)θɪli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in writing or speech

In a lengthy or long-winded manner; with an excess of words or detail.

Synonyms

prolixly, tediously, verbosely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lengthily

Use this word when something is done over a long period of time, often more than necessary.

  • He spoke lengthily about his childhood experiences; The meeting continued lengthily, much to everyone's frustration
verbosely

This word fits when describing someone who uses more words than needed, often in a way that is redundant and unclear.

  • He explained the concept verbosely, confusing his listeners; The instructions were written verbosely, making them hard to follow
prolixly

This word is suitable when describing something that is excessively wordy and detailed to the point of being boring or difficult to follow.

  • The professor lectured prolixly, causing many students to lose interest; His articles are often written prolixly, making them hard to read
tediously

Use 'tediously' when describing an action or process that is monotonous and tiresome.

  • She tediously copied the entire book by hand; The movie dragged on tediously, making the audience restless

Examples of usage

  • She explained the process lengthily, going into every small detail.
  • The professor answered the student's question lengthily, providing a thorough explanation.
Context #2 | Adverb

in time

For a long period of time; extensively.

Synonyms

prolongedly, protractedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lengthily

Used when something is done in a prolonged, often unnecessary, or overly detailed manner. Sometimes carries a negative connotation because it suggests that the action or speech could have been shorter or more concise.

  • She spoke lengthily about her vacation, explaining every minute detail.
  • The meeting dragged on lengthily, much to everyone's dismay.
protractedly

Used to describe something lengthy and drawn out, often implying frustration or that it is unnecessarily extended. This word has a more formal tone and almost always a negative shade.

  • The negotiations went on protractedly, and no agreement was reached.
  • His protractedly long explanation bored everyone in the room.
prolongedly

Refers to something that continues for an extended period of time, often longer than usual or expected. It can describe both positive and negative situations.

  • He gazed at the painting prolongedly, lost in its beauty.
  • They talked prolongedly about their future plans.

Examples of usage

  • The negotiations went on lengthily, spanning several weeks.
  • The project was delayed lengthily due to unforeseen circumstances.

Translations

Translations of the word "lengthily" in other languages:

🇵🇹 longamente

🇮🇳 लंबाई से

🇩🇪 langwierig

🇮🇩 panjang lebar

🇺🇦 довго

🇵🇱 długo

🇯🇵 長々と (ながながと)

🇫🇷 longuement

🇪🇸 extensamente

🇹🇷 uzun uzun

🇰🇷 길게

🇸🇦 بإسهاب

🇨🇿 dlouze

🇸🇰 dlho

🇨🇳 长时间地 (cháng shí jiān de)

🇸🇮 dolgo

🇮🇸 langt

🇰🇿 ұзақ мерзімді

🇬🇪 გრძელვადიანად (grdzelvadianad)

🇦🇿 uzun müddət

🇲🇽 extensamente

Etymology

The word 'lengthily' is derived from the adjective 'lengthy,' which comes from the Middle English 'lengthi,' ultimately from the Old English 'lengþe' meaning 'length.' The adverb form 'lengthily' emerged in the 19th century to describe actions or explanations done in a lengthy or extensive manner. It is often used in formal or academic contexts to convey a sense of thoroughness or verbosity.

See also: length, lengthen, lengthened, lengthening, lengthiness, lengthy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,083, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.